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Page 1 of 39
Page 2 of 39
Contents
Preface 4
Introduction 4
Relevant law 5
Safe workplaces 6
Planning for safety 6
Pedestrian and vehicle separation
Loading and storage areas 10
Public protection 10
Information 13
Safe vehicles 15
Vehicle selection 15
Vehicle inspection and maintenance 17
Safe driving and work practices 18
Reversing 18
Loading of vehicles 19
Drivers 21
Signallers 23
Safe working practices for specific vehicles 24
Managing construction transport 27
Clients 28
Designers 29
CDM co-ordinator 29
Principal contractors 29
Contractors 30
Appendices 31
1 Construction vehicle accident statistics 31
2 Legislation and the safe use of vehicles in construction 33
3 Risk assessment and safety management 34
References and further reading 36
Glossary 38
Further information 39
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Preface
Every year people are killed or injured by vehicles on construction sites. This
book provides practical guidance on how to prevent these accidents by avoiding
hazards and controlling the risks arising from the use of vehicles in construction
work. This second edition has been revised in light of the Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations 2007. It provides information on:
planning and managing vehicle operations on construction sites;
selecting and maintaining vehicles; and
safe driving and working practices.
Introduction
1 Each year within the construction industry, approximately ten people die
as a result of being struck by moving plant. In addition, there are hundreds of
preventable accidents and injuries. This not only affects the lives of workers but
can also result in material damage. Accidents occur throughout the construction
process from groundworks to finishing works. Managers, workers, visitors to sites
and members of the public can all be at risk if construction vehicle activities are
not properly managed and controlled. This book considers methods of eliminating
hazards and controlling risks that arise from the use of vehicles in the construction
industry, including cars, vans, lorries, low-loaders, earth-moving machinery, tractors
and lift trucks (this is not an exhaustive list).
2 This book is concerned with workplace transport during the construction
process. It does not cover rail transport, non-powered transport, lifting equipment
or pedestrian-controlled plant, or construction activities on the public highway, road
transport, tunnelling, public transport, and works involving water transport. It does
not cover the responsibilities for ensuring safe traffic routes after construction is
complete and the facility is in use.
3 This book is divided into four main sections:
safe workplaces;
safe vehicles;
safe driving and work practices; and
managing construction transport.
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Relevant law
7 A legal framework for the management of construction transport risks is
contained in the following legislation (summarised in Table 9 in Appendix 2):
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act);2
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (the Management
Regulations);3
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM);4
Work at Height Regulations 2005;5
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992;6 and
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).7
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Safe workplaces
Planning for safety
8 Planning a safe site should begin before the construction phase. There are
specific duties placed on all of those involved within the construction process,
including clients, designers, CDM co-ordinators and contractors. The section
Managing construction transport deals with these roles in more detail.
9 This section gives guidance on how to establish a safe workplace for vehicle
operations. The overall message is simple safe workplaces are achieved by
separating pedestrians and vehicles and providing hazard-free traffic routes.
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Pedestrian routes
11 Establish pedestrian routes on site which provide safe pedestrian access to
work areas. Pedestrian routes should be either located a safe distance away from
areas of vehicle activity or provided with appropriate physical protection, such as
substantial fencing and/or kerbs, to prevent pedestrians being struck by vehicles or
their loads. Pedestrian routes should:
be clearly separated from vehicle routes by fencing and/or a kerb, or other
suitable means;
be wide enough to safely accommodate the number of people likely to use
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pedestrians; and
the signaller is in a safe place.
Vehicle routes
15 On site, establish vehicle routes which:
are segregated from pedestrian routes;
minimise the need for reversing operations with one-way systems and turning
points;
are adequate for the number, type and size of the largest vehicles that may use
them;
have firm surfaces, adequate drainage and safe profiles to allow safe vehicle
movements;
are kept clear of obstructions and other hazards;
avoid steep gradients and tight bends where practicable;
avoid hazards such as excavations, edges of structures, and fuel or chemical
storage areas;
have the minimum necessary number of junctions;
are clearly signed with signposts and, where appropriate, road markings (eg on
the types of vehicles using the route, eg some lift trucks may be unsuitable for
passing over road humps;
keep site vehicles, delivery vehicles and private vehicles apart, where possible,
by establishing private vehicle parking areas, specified delivery routes and
storage areas.
16 Primary vehicle routes should be established to handle the most common vehicle
movements on site, eg deliveries and access to principal work areas. Primary vehicle
routes should be located away from the main pedestrian routes, wherever possible.
Where risks are high because of the number and nature of vehicle movements,
control measures can include setting up different routes for different vehicle types and
activities, eg for muck-away operations and materials delivery. Establish secondary
vehicle routes to temporary work areas which ensure vehicle and pedestrian safety.
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Control measures
Areas of restricted
visibility, width, or weight
limits
Temporary structures,
liquefied petroleum
gas (LPG) storage
areas, areas of limited
headroom, electric
cables, pipelines etc
Edges of roadways,
excavations, pits,
watercourses, spoil
heaps etc
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Public protection
A young woman was killed when she was dragged from the upper deck
of a bus by the bucket of an excavator which was loading a lorry at the
side of the road. Both the contractor and the client (the local council) were
successfully prosecuted.
20 To prevent construction vehicle operations endangering the public, relevant
precautions should be taken, depending on the nature of the site and work,
including the provision of:
suitable vehicles;
appropriate pedestrian and vehicle traffic management systems;
site fencing;
signallers or security guards; and
effective vehicle immobilisation systems and key custody procedures.
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Figure 5 Example of
traffic routes on a housing
development site
(road markings omitted for
clarity)
21 Where vehicles cross the public footway, measures need to be taken to protect
members of the public and control their movement to ensure safety, eg by using
barriers and a signaller. Drivers, particularly when working in public areas, should
always remove the keys from the ignition when they park and leave their vehicles.
22 Where there are many pedestrians or vulnerable groups passing the site, eg
close to schools, hospitals and major shopping centres, restrictions may have to be
placed on traffic movements to and from site. Deliveries to site can be restricted to
specific times to prevent congestion at peak times.
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occupied areas;
segregate public vehicle and pedestrian routes from site vehicle and site worker
routes;
provide safe places for public parking and safe access to show homes;
provide relevant information for visitors on public safety; and
update information to take account of any changes in traffic routes which may
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Vehicle routes
Pedestrian routes
Site entrance
and exit
Parking areas
Offices and
welfare
facilities
Storage areas
and loading
bays
Vehicle
facilities
Information
25 All drivers and pedestrians entering a site need to be informed of any site
transport hazards and relevant site rules, including the correct traffic routes to
use. The amount and detail of information given needs to reflect the nature of site
hazards. Information can be provided by:
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displaying maps and site rules at site entrance points and elsewhere on site, eg
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Safe vehicles
27 This section provides guidance on health and safety aspects of selecting and
maintaining construction vehicles.
Vehicle selection
28 The design of some vehicles presents hazards, such as restricted visibility and
lack of driver protection from the effects of overturning, noise and vibration. Some
old designs of site dumpers allowed the vehicle to be knocked easily into gear as
the driver dismounted.
29 Choosing the right vehicle for the job is an essential part of effective vehicle
management. The vehicle selected needs to be capable of performing its
designated tasks safely. The following are important factors to consider:
stability under all foreseeable operating conditions;
safe access to and from the cab and other working locations on the vehicle;
effective braking systems;
adequate visibility for the driver all around the vehicle;
headlights, a horn, windscreen wipers and warning devices, eg reversing alarms;
physical guards to protect dangerous parts such as power take-off shafts,
chain drives, trapping points and exposed exhaust pipes;
protection for the driver from work hazards, eg working at height and falling
from the vehicle, falling objects and the effects of the vehicle overturning; and
protection for the driver from the weather, noise, vibration, noxious fumes and
dusts.
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Figure 9 Photo montage of large dumper truck fitted with CCTV and mirrors to improve
visibility from the driving position
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braking systems;
seat belts;
tyres, including condition and pressures;
steering;
convex mirrors, CCTV and other visibility aids;
lights and indicators;
safety devices such as interlocks;
warning signals;
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Reversing
A site supervisor was killed by a reversing lorry as he stooped down at the
edge of a roadway. No turning area was provided on site so lorries had to
reverse long distances down the primary site vehicle route. The lorry did
not have any devices to overcome visibility blind spots from the driving
position, nor was a signaller used to guide the driver, nor was a reversing
alarm fitted.
39 Vehicle reversing operations cause a third of all fatal transport accidents in the
construction industry, producing an average of five deaths and 20 major injuries per
year. The most effective way of managing the risks from reversing is to avoid the
need for reversing manoeuvres by providing one-way systems, turning areas and
drive-through loading and unloading areas.
40 When planning and controlling site vehicle operations, the hierarchy of control
measures for reversing operations, detailed in Table 3, should be followed.
Vehicles required to reverse on site should provide adequate visibility around the
vehicle for the driver to ensure safety. Safe systems of work need to be devised
and followed for all reversing operations, particularly when signallers are used to
control third-party risks or assist in the accurate positioning of the vehicle. Warning
systems offer the lowest level of protection in the hierarchy and, if they are the only
precaution used, are only appropriate for low-risk situations.
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1 Eliminate need to
reverse
Implement one-way systems around site and in loading and unloading areas
Provide designated turning areas
2 Reduce reversing
operations
3 Segregate vehicles
and pedestrians
Fit CCTV, convex mirrors, Fresnel lens etc to overcome restrictions to visibility
from the drivers seat, particularly at the sides and rear of vehicles
Fit radar proximity devices to vehicles to indicate to drivers when there are
objects near the vehicle
Ensure everyone on site understands site rules on vehicle safety
Drivers and signallers need to be in constant communication during reversing
operations
Signallers should not be put at risk from vehicle movements, eg by standing
directly behind reversing vehicles
Ensure all vehicles on site are fitted with appropriate warning devices
5 Provide warnings
when vehicles are
reversing
Ensure reversing warning lights and alarms are in good working order and
instruct workers to keep clear of moving vehicles
Loading of vehicles
41 Load and unload vehicles at level ground, in areas away from passing traffic,
pedestrians and overhead hazards, eg bridges, pipelines or electrical cables. Loads
need to be:
of suitable height and width for the vehicle and road conditions on site;
secured to prevent movement;
evenly loaded and distributed to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible
during unloading.
42 No vehicle should be loaded beyond its safe working capacity. Loads which
project out from the body of the vehicle should be indicated by a warning flag or sign.
43 Gantries which fit closely to the vehicle can provide safe means of access for
workers during the manual sheeting of wagons. They are particularly appropriate
for regular sheeting operations on similar vehicles.
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carrying vehicle;
emptied of fuel, so far as possible;
relieved of hydraulic pressure by moving all control levers through all positions,
brake applied and wheels and rollers chocked. Moveable assemblies, such as
jibs, dismantled parts and ancillary equipment, need to be secured following
the manufacturers recommendations.
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Figure 12 Excavator
secured for transportation
Drivers
Following an accident in which an untrained and inexperienced driver was
killed when the dumper he was driving overturned, a company was fined
150 000.
47 Many accidents are the result of untrained or inexperienced workers driving
construction vehicles. Employers need to ensure that all drivers are competent to
perform the work they are given.
48 Driver competence may be judged on the basis of experience, recognised
training and testing of knowledge and ability. Certificates of training from
recognised training schemes help demonstrate competence. Driver training records
should be kept up to date.
HSE investigations showed that in one-third of accidents involving site
dumpers the drivers had little experience and no training. Less than half of
their employers had made checks on driver competence.
49 The following points need to be considered when selecting people to drive
construction vehicles:
drivers should be competent in the safe operation of the vehicles and their daily
maintenance checks;
training certificates should be checked for validity;
training alone is not competence and you should ensure that the operator
has enough experience on the class of the machine to operate it safely, and
enough time to familiarise themselves with a new machine, if appropriate;
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caution should be exercised with drivers who may be unfamiliar with the
vehicles
Know the safe operating limitations of your vehicle, particularly relating to safe
supervisors
Follow site procedures and comply with all site rules
Do not drive at excessive speeds
Follow established site traffic routes
Ensure that windows and mirrors are kept clean and clear
Keep the vehicle tidy and free from items which may hinder the operation of
vehicle controls
Do not allow passengers to ride on vehicles unless safe seating is provided
Park vehicles on flat ground wherever possible, with the engine switched off,
the handbrake and trailer brake applied, and where necessary use wheel
chocks
Do not reverse without checking behind the vehicle for pedestrians, vehicles or
obstructions
Where visibility from the driving position is restricted, use visibility aids or a
signaller. Stop if you lose sight of the signaller or the visibility aid becomes
defective
Do not remain on vehicles during loading operations, unless the drivers
position is adequately protected
Ensure loads are safe to transport
Do not attempt to get on or off moving vehicles
Do not make adjustments with the engine running and guards removed
Do not smoke during refuelling operations
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Signallers
52 Signallers used to direct pedestrian and vehicle movements need to be
competent in the methods used to ensure their own and other peoples safety (see
Figure 13). Safe systems of work need to be provided to prevent signallers being
struck by vehicles. The provision of refuges, observation positions, control rooms,
radio communications and CCTV systems can help remove signallers from areas of
vehicle movement. Signallers should be authorised by site management and easily
distinguished on site by the use of colour-coded helmets, clearly labelled highvisibility jackets etc. A checklist of safe work practices for signallers is provided in
Table 5.
Ensure you know and understand relevant safety procedures and correct signalling
systems
Ensure drivers understand the correct signalling systems
Signal instructions clearly
Ensure you are visible to the driver and the driver is visible to you; if not, stop the
vehicle moving
Stand in a safe location at all times
Warn pedestrians and make sure they are kept away from vehicle operations
Wear appropriate protective equipment, including high-visibility clothing
Report work hazards to supervisors
Make sure you can get to and from your work location safely
Do not ride on the vehicle you are directing unless you are in a designated safe
position
Do not direct vehicles if your ability is affected by alcohol or drugs
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A security guard was killed when crushed between a dumper and another
vehicle. The dumper driver had left the engine running and knocked it into
gear as he got off, causing it to lurch forward.
55 The precautions necessary to ensure the safe use of site dumpers are
contained in Table 6.
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Do not drive on gradients in excess of those safe for the dumper (see manufacturers
instructions)
Allow only competent people to drive site dumpers
Provide wheel stops at the edges of excavations, pits, spoil heaps etc to prevent site
dumpers falling when tipping. The blocks provided need to be positioned a sufficient
distance away from any unsupported edges and slopes to prevent the weight of the
vehicle causing collapse
Provide purpose-built platforms for regularly transported items, eg large drums
Implement safe systems of work at all times and monitor their effectiveness
Do not operate the site dumpers controls unless seated on the driving seat
Do not carry passengers unless purpose-built seats are provided
Manoeuvre carefully on sloping ground
Drive at appropriate speeds for site conditions
Load on flat ground with brakes applied
Get off the dumper when it is being loaded
Ensure loads are distributed evenly and do not let them obscure your vision
Securely fix loads which may cause danger if they move
Stop the vehicle, take it out of gear and apply the parking brake before tipping loads
Do not drive around with the skip in the vertical discharge position
Use the appropriate towing pins (not bent pieces of reinforcement bar)
Do not leave the engine running when you leave the vehicle
Be aware of the differences in performance of site dumpers when loaded and
unloaded, particularly speed, braking, and stability on slopes
Be aware of the different handling and braking characteristics of the vehicle in wet or
icy conditions
Do not alter tyre pressures outside the manufacturers specifications
When using a starting handle ensure:
- neutral gear is selected and the handbrake is firmly applied, and the area is clear of
obstructions
- the starting-handle is the correct type and in good condition with a handle grip
which rotates freely
- your thumb is kept on top of the grip of the handle to prevent injury in case of
kickback
overloaded;
working on sloping, uneven or unstable ground;
driving with raised loads; and
driving at excessive speed around corners.
57 Telehandler visibility to the rear may present a significant hazard. This may be
remedied by fitting additional visibility aids. Similarly, when in operation with the
boom raised and other configurations, there may be a significant blind spot to
the front right-hand side of the vehicle. Both of these hazards should be identified
within a risk assessment and suitable control measures should be put in place.
58 These types of vehicle normally require prepared, flat, graded surfaces to
operate safely. Even rough-terrain lift trucks have strict operational limits which
need to be observed. Contractors should limit the use of these machines to
competent drivers in safe environments.
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Excavators
A ground worker was killed while standing in the blind spot of a reversing
excavator.
59 Excavators are involved in many accidents. They commonly occur when
excavators slew around, reverse and move around site. To prevent such accidents:
excavators should be equipped with adequate visibility aids to ensure drivers
can see areas where people may be at risk from the operation of the machine;
people should be kept away from the areas of excavator operation by the
63 Visibility from the driving position during reversing operations can be improved
by fitting visibility aids such as convex mirrors and CCTV. Warning devices, eg
alarms and lights, should operate when lorries and lorry loaders are reversing.
64 During maintenance operations under tipper-lorry bodies or cabs, proprietary
props designed to withstand the lowering forces should be used to secure them in
the raised position and prevent their collapse.
65 Lorry loaders should be operated on firm, level ground with their stabilisers fully
extended and the parking brake applied when loading and offloading.
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On soft or uneven surfaces, suitable packing should be used under stabiliser feet
to spread the load and prevent movement, in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions.
66 Lorry drivers should only stay in their cabs during loading operations if it is safe
for them to do so, eg when loose pea gravel is being loaded, rather than when
demolition debris is being loaded. The safety of tipper-lorry cabs is increased when
there is an extension of the tipper body over the cab.
Delivery lorries and goods vehicles
67 A large proportion of accidents that occur on construction sites involve the
delivery of plant and material to site. Statistics show that the most common causes
of accidents involving goods vehicles are:
being struck by a moving vehicle;
falling from vehicles while getting in and out of the truck or during loading/
to ensure that people and vehicles cannot come into contact with each other
through physical segregation. Physical segregation involves using barriers to
keep pedestrians away from manoeuvring vehicles;
adequate means of access and egress to the vehicle should be provided. This
is not only important for the driver getting in and out of the cab but also to
anyone accessing the vehicle bed to load/unload goods;
refuse to accept uneven loads or loads that have moved significantly:
competent logistics operators will only send appropriately strapped loads.
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71 Figure 15 indicates how those involved with construction projects can influence
site transport safety. The role of the principal contractor and subcontractors is
central but all others can contribute to the provision and maintenance of safe
workplaces, safe vehicles, safe driving and safe work practices.
Figure 15 Responsibilities
Clients
72 Clients need to ensure that those they appoint are competent to manage
transport-related risks. Clients should consider, in particular, candidates:
previous experience and understanding of logistics, such as booking time
slots for deliveries, off-site waiting areas where appropriate etc and past
performance in this area;
health and safety management systems; and
systems for assessing the competence of their appointees.
73 CDM requires the client to provide relevant health and safety information with
the pre-construction information. Where the project is notifiable, the client should
provide the CDM co-ordinator with this information. Transport-related information
could include:
the extent of site occupation by those not involved in construction work;
anticipated vehicle and pedestrian traffic movements, including deliveries;
speed, height, width and parking restrictions;
requirements for safe public and emergency vehicle access;
exclusion zones, routes, crossings, traffic calming measures and designated
car parks;
restrictions on working times or temporary diversions during peak traffic hours;
location of gas and electricity services, adjacent railways etc; and
hazardous ground features, eg contaminated landfill areas, burial grounds,
underground streams, surface watercourses etc.
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Designers
74 Designers need to examine, assess and reduce the risks associated with their
designs. Considering the following measures at the design stage can assist safe
site vehicle operations:
allowing space around structures and site boundaries for safe traffic movement;
designing one-way systems and drive-through areas to reduce the need for
reversing;
removing hazardous gradients and embankments;
specifying suitable profiles, surfaces and traffic management for site roads, and
the early installation of permanent roads with safe site access to and from the
public highway;
considering how site traffic routes can avoid hazards such as overhead
electricity lines, railway lines etc and how routes need to change as work
progresses on site;
indicating the maximum loading limits of floors used by vehicles, particularly
during construction, demolition and refurbishment;
relocating or protecting vulnerable services such as gas pipes and electricity
cables; and
passing on information on any features of the design presenting significant
transport risks to other project team members as necessary, including
significant risks during future construction work or maintenance.
CDM co-ordinators
76 CDM co-ordinators should ensure project designs take account of the issues
in paragraphs 73 and 74, and that there is pre-construction information on specific
transport risks. Pre-construction information may also include such things as:
the need for crash decks for works over railways;
phasing works to minimise risk to the public; and
local or statutory authority restrictions, eg in relation to access on and off the
public highway.
Principal contractors
77 Principal contractors should ensure the safe management of pedestrian and
vehicle movements on site. Key tasks for principal contractors include:
provide relevant information from the construction phase plan to contractors to
allow them to adequately plan their work and identify safe systems of work and
prepare method statements;
planning, managing and monitoring transport activities including establishing
site rules and giving reasonable directions to contractors;
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implementing systems of work which ensure that pedestrians and vehicles are
including traffic and pedestrian routes, vehicle access and site rules;
setting standards for driver competence, vehicle safety and maintenance, and
Contractors
79 Contractors should assess and minimise the transport risks associated with
their work, institute safe systems of work, and follow the site rules, and the
guidance applicable to them in paragraph 77.
Remember:
Construction vehicles can kill!
Construction vehicle accidents are preventable by effective management.
80 To prevent death and injury ensure that you have:
a safe workplace;
safe vehicles; and
safe driving and work practices.
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Activity
Totals 2003/042007/08(p)
Fatal
Major
Over 3 day
Groundworks
39
38
35
37
12
84
91
Plant hire
38
24
Movement of materials
12
Finishing works
33
27
Remember:
Construction vehicle accidents are preventable.
Prevention requires effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and
review of vehicle operations.
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Type of vehicle
Totals 2003/042007/08(p)
Fatal
Major
Over 3 day
77
45
Excavators
63
52
Road-making vehicles
14
Goods vehicles
68
86
Lift trucks
12
110
94
Private vehicles
10
37
68
(p) = provisional
Costs of accidents
4 In addition to the personal distress caused by accidents, the cost of accidents
includes material damage, plant damage, building damage, legal costs, fines,
emergency supply costs, production delays, investigation time, clerical costs etc.
In a study of a supermarket construction project, most of the costs
incurred as a result of accidents were not recoverable. The ratio of insured
to uninsured costs incurred by the main contractor was 1:11. On this
project, even the costs of minor vehicle accidents, eg where vehicles hit
or ran over property, and where lift trucks dropped their loads, cost the
contractor over 3000 during the course of the project. The total cost of all
accidents on this project was equivalent to 8% of the tender price.
5 As well as the human and material losses produced, accidents can lead to low
morale and reduced opportunities for tendering for work.
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Management of Health
and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999
Construction (Design
and Management)
Regulations 2007
CDM applies to all stages of a construction project and places duties upon clients,
designers and contractors. The Regulations aim to ensure:
identify the measures they need to take by carrying out risk assessments;
institute safety management systems;
appoint competent persons to assist in health and safety management;
ensure co-ordination and co-operation;
formulate emergency procedures;
provide information and relevant training to employees.
Work at Height
Regulations 2005
The Work at Height Regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall
liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed, and
any person who controls the work of others.
Supply of Machinery
(Safety) Regulations 1992
PUWER applies to the selection, use and maintenance of work equipment including
vehicles.
Page 33 of 39
2 Transport hazards and the risks they present need to be identified and
assessed. Table 10 provides examples of the risk assessment process applied
to site transport issues for different kinds of construction projects. Only one of
the principal hazards associated with each example is assessed to illustrate the
process of risk assessment.
Project
Refurbishment of
existing building
Housing development
Major road
construction
Steep gradients
Restricted site
access and room
around site
Residents in early
occupation of homes
on site
Large vehicles
reversing in
confined areas
Vehicles overturning
driver injury
Vehicles striking
pedestrians
Vehicles striking
residents, particularly
children
Vehicles striking
pedestrians and
other vehicles
Establish
segregated vehicle
and pedestrian
routes around the
site
Segregate vehicle
and pedestrian
routes
Select appropriate
vehicles for site
conditions
Record findings
3 Removing hazards and reducing and controlling risks are essential parts of
effective health and safety management systems. Risk assessments should be
conducted for all transport activities including:
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Table 11 Examples of
measures to avoid common
problems and control the
risks associated with the use
of vehicles in construction
4 Where specific hazards cannot be avoided, the risks they present should
be minimised and controlled. Table 11 provides examples of measures to avoid
common problems and control the risks associated with the use of vehicles in
construction. Efforts need to be made to avoid significant hazards before reliance is
placed on risk control measures. The measures selected to control risks should be
appropriate to prevent transport accidents in each specific situation.
Common problems
Avoid
Control
Contractors:
Vehicles that reverse as part of their designated
tasks should have adequate visibility around the
vehicle for the driver to ensure safety. Fit effective
visibility aids (such as CCTV, mirrors, Fresnel lens)
to vehicles to overcome areas of restricted driver
visibility, particularly at the rear of vehicles. Radar
systems, ultrasonic, contact and proximity devices,
and audio and visual warning devices can be used
as part of safe systems of work. Keep pedestrians
away from reversing vehicles
Restricted traffic
route visibility
Principal contractors:
Where appropriate, fit mirrors to areas of restricted
vision to aid visibility on traffic routes. Follow safe
systems of work, eg traffic control and speed
restriction. Provide warning signs
Principal contractors:
Reduce gradients by levelling traffic routes
Obstructions and
services
Principal contractors:
Provide physical protection, eg goalposts and
warning signs at overhead restrictions and services
Principal contractors:
Prevent unsuitable vehicles entering site
Unintended vehicle
movement
Contractors/plant hirers:
Select vehicles with appropriate braking systems. Ensure
effective inspection and maintenance procedures are put
in place
Contractors:
Instruct drivers to test brakes before operating
vehicles. Park vehicles on flat ground whenever
possible. Chock wheels of vehicles and trailers as
necessary when parked on sloping ground
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Common problems
Avoid
Control
Principal contractors:
Specify standards for vehicles used on site, where
necessary
Contractors:
Ensure vehicles are used within the limits of their
design and are maintained safely
Contractors:
Select vehicles with noise and vibration damping to
relevant standards
Drivers lacking
competence
Contractors:
Ensure driver competence; train and supervise
drivers as necessary
Page 36 of 39
11 Five steps to risk assessment Leaflet INDG163(rev2) HSE Books 2006 (single
copy free or priced packs of 10 ISBN 978 0 7176 6189 3)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf
Further reading
Legislation
Consulting workers on health and safety: Safety Representatives and Safety
Committees Regulations 1977 (as amended) and Health and Safety (Consultation
with Employees) Regulations 1996 (as amended) L146 HSE Books 2008
ISBN 978 0 7176 6311 8
Vehicle safety
Health and safety in motor vehicle repair HSG67 HSE Books 1991
ISBN 978 0 7176 0483 8
Health and safety management
Managing health and safety: Five steps to success Leaflet INDG275 HSE Books
1998 (single copy free or priced packs of 10 ISBN 978 0 7176 2170 5)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg275.pdf
BS 8800:2004 Occupational health and safety management systems. Guide British
Standards Institution
General titles
Workplace transport safety: An overview Leaflet INDG199(rev1) HSE Books 2005
(single copy free or priced packs of 5 ISBN 978 0 7176 2821 6)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg199.pdf
Health and safety in construction HSG150 (Third edition) HSE Books 2006
ISBN 978 0 7176 6182 4
Safety in working with lift trucks HSG6 (Third edition) HSE Books 2000
ISBN 978 0 7176 1781 4
Control back-pain risks from whole-body vibration: Advice for employers on the
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 Leaflet INDG242(rev1) HSE Books
2005 (single copy free or priced packs of 10 ISBN 978 0 7176 6119 0)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg242.pdf
Power take-offs and power take-off drive shafts Agricultural Safety Leaflet AS24(rev)
HSE Books 1997 (single copy free) www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/agindex.htm
Safety signs and signals. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Regulations 1996. Guidance on Regulations L64 HSE Books 1996
ISBN 978 0 7176 0870 6
Safety of construction transport: A survey of standards and accidents associated
with construction machinery SIR58 HSE Books 2001 ISBN 978 0 7176 2135 4
Code of Practice for the safe installation, application and operation of lorry loaders
Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers 1999
www.allmitraining.co.uk
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Glossary
CDM Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.
CDM co-ordinator the key project advisor to the client in respect of construction
health and safety risk management matters.
client any person for whom a construction project is carried out.
construction vehicle ride-on powered vehicle used for transporting materials or
people in the construction process.
contractor any person who carries on a trade or business carrying out or
managing construction work.
designer any person who specifies design details within a construction project.
FOPS falling-object protective structure.
hazard anything that can cause harm, eg substance, machinery, method of work
etc.
HSW Act Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
HSE Health and Safety Executive.
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loading bay an area specifically provided for loading/unloading; not a place where
loading/unloading merely happens to occur.
LPG liquefied petroleum gas.
Management Regulations Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999.
PUWER Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
principal contractor the main or managing contractor with overall day-to-day
control of the construction phase of a project.
risk likelihood of a hazard causing harm and the nature and extent of the resulting
harm.
ROPS roll-over protective structure.
signaller a person who directs traffic movements, commonly known as a
banksman.
traffic pedestrian or vehicle movements around site.
traffic route routes providing access to, or exit from, any part of a construction
site.
transport movement of people or materials from one place to another.
Further information
HSE priced and free publications can be viewed online or ordered from
www.hse.gov.uk or contact HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk
CO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995. HSE priced publications are
also available from bookshops.
British Standards can be obtained in PDF or hard copy formats from the BSI online
shop: www.bsigroup.com/Shop or by contacting BSI Customer Services for hard
copies only Tel: 020 8996 9001 e-mail: cservices@bsigroup.com.
The Stationery Office publications are available from The Stationery Office,
PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN Tel: 0870 600 5522 Fax: 0870 600 5533
e-mail: customer.services@tso.co.uk Website: www.tso.co.uk (They are also
available from bookshops.) Statutory Instruments can be viewed free of charge at
www.opsi.gov.uk.
For information about health and safety ring HSEs Infoline Tel: 0845 345 0055
Fax: 0845 408 9566 Textphone: 0845 408 9577 e-mail: hse.infoline@natbrit.com or
write to HSE Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
Published by HSE
09/09
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